Rep. Denson Announces $6,148,317 for Clean Ohio Trail Fund Grants

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) today announced that the Controlling Board has approved the release of capital funds to support the Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) grants statewide. The Department of Natural Resources is set to release capital funds totaling $6,148,317.00 from the Clean Ohio Trail Fund for fiscal year 2025.

“Approval of these funds represents a significant milestone in our drive to better enable outdoor recreation and healthier lifestyles in our communities,” said Rep. Denson. “These projects will help better our recreational trails but also continue to connect urban areas with nature so all Ohioans can enjoy the beauty and benefits our environment has to offer.”

The Clean Ohio Trail Fund is a component of the Clean Ohio Fund that distributes competitive grant dollars to local communities to acquire, develop, and improve outdoor recreational trails. Grants will fund 14 community projects, including acquiring trail corridors, building, and improving trail surfaces, and preserving natural corridors. These recommendations were approved by the Clean Ohio Trail Fund Advisory Board and the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Of the projects awarded, two are in Hamilton County, totaling $779,564. Those projects are:

• LMST Elstun to Ranchvale Trail: This project will create a new 12-foot-wide shared use path along Beechmont Avenue from Elstun Road to Ranchvale Drive. The segment will connect to the nearby Little Miami Scenic Trail and is scheduled to open soon. Total amount awarded: $412,000.
• Columbia Connector Shared Use Trail: This 1.6-mile trail will link the Little Miami Scenic Trail to other segments of the 34-mile CROWN regional trail loop, improving access and recreational use. Total amount awarded: $367,564.

For more details, please visit Monday’s Controlling Board agenda to learn more.